“In a move that has shifted the focus of the crisis from the Cost of Living to the Cost of Working, the Chancellor’s recent Budget announcement has left many concerned that they will be worse off in work than out of it.
While the Budget has offered some respite, vulnerable groups such as those living in deprived areas and lone parents are finding it increasingly difficult to stay in work. We have been at the forefront of looking at the actuality, not just the algorithms.
Our on the ground insight offers solutions that could make a real difference in people’s lives through Relational Mentoring, and they all point to more sustainable solutions over subsidy.
We should have seen stronger moves to extend access to unconditional employment support that works – and we can do much more to effectively close the gap between the big programmes that supported so many people and communities through the European Social Fund and the thinking around the new Shared Prosperity Fund.
It is well rehearsed that GDP falls short of being able to capture the impact of social purpose. The Social Enterprise sector in Scotland has a net worth of £7 billion and can help create sustainable change for individuals and communities… a missing piece of the Budget Jigsaw.
Our Cost-of-Living Crisis has fast become a Cost of Working Crisis. As our approaches develop and mature, we have the opportunity deliver a a purpose-driven approach, with people at the centre of the recovery effort, to build an economy that is truly inclusive and sustainable. We need to help people who want to work, help people stay in work and we need to make work better.”
Sean Duffy, CEO, Wise Group.
